Download Templates

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Instructions for Freehand

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All designs should be placed on 4by6.com templates, saved as PDFs, labeled "front" and "back".

1Open your original design AND the 4by6.com template

Templates are included for both horizontal and vertical layout styles. For each layout style there is both a front and a back template file. Open the template file that is appropriate for your layout style (horizontal or vertical) and card side.

2Update all image links placed into your original design file

Open the Links palette (Edit > Links). For each image, click "Change" and select the most recent version of the image.

If you are printing a folded card, make sure to follow the design orientation instructions printed on the template file. For specific instructions on how to align your designs to the template bleed and safe area lines, please review the Templates page of the Color Matters section.

Export each completed template file as a new PDF (File > Export) Save the file as [YourName].[CardSide].pdf. For example: JaneScott.Front.pdf. Card side (front or back) must be included in your file name. Select PDF from the Format drop down menu. Ensure press quality output by clicking the "Setup" button and choosing the following settings: Image Compression (None), Convert colors to (CMYK), Compatibility (Acrobat 4), Embed Fonts.

7Repeat for the other side of your card

Instructions for Illustrator

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All designs should be placed on 4by6.com templates, saved as PDFs, labeled "front" and "back".

1Open your original design AND the 4by6.com template

Templates are included for both horizontal and vertical layout styles. For each layout style there is both a front and a back template file. Open the template file that is appropriate for your layout style (horizontal or vertical) and card side.

If you are printing a folded card, make sure to follow the design orientation instructions printed on the template file. For specific instructions on how to align your designs to the template bleed and safe area lines, please review the Templates page of the Color Matters section.

Save each completed template file as a new file (File > Save As) Save the file as [YourName].[CardSide].pdf. For example: JaneScott.Front.pdf. Card side (front or back) must be included in your file name. Select Adobe PDF from the Format drop down menu and click Save. In the following dialogue box, select the "Press Quality" Adobe PDF Preset. Do not adjust the settings below. Additional bleed or marks are not necessary.

7Repeat for the other side of your card

Instructions for Illustrator

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Instructions for InDesign

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All designs should be placed on 4by6.com templates, saved as PDFs, labeled "front" and "back".

1Open your original design AND the 4by6.com template

Templates are included for both horizontal and vertical layout styles. For each layout style there is both a front and a back template file. Open the template file that is appropriate for your layout style (horizontal or vertical) and card side.

If you are printing a folded card, make sure to follow the design orientation instructions printed on the template file. For specific instructions on how to align your designs to the template bleed and safe area lines, please review the Templates page of the Color Matters section.

4Outline all your fonts (Select all > Type > Create Outlines)

5Export your file as individual "front" and "back" Press Quality PDFs

Export each completed template file as a Press Quality PDF (File > Adobe PDF Presets > Press Quality). Do not adjust the export settings. Additional bleed or marks are not necessary. Save the file as [YourName].[CardSide].pdf. For example: JaneScott.Front.pdf. Card side (front or back) must be included in your file name.

6Repeat for the other side of your card

Instructions for InDesign

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Instructions for Photoshop

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All designs should be placed on 4by6.com templates, saved as PDFs, labeled "front" and "back".

1Open your original design AND the 4by6.com template

Templates are included for both horizontal and vertical layout styles. For each layout style there is both a front and a back template file. Open the template file that is appropriate for your layout style (horizontal or vertical) and card side.

2Change the resolution of your original design to 350 DPI

The 4by6.com template is a 350 DPI resolution file. Your original design must match this resolution for correct output and printing. Open the Image Size window (Image > Image Size). Ensure the Resample Image box is checked, then type "350" into the Resolution form field. For more information about image resolution and best practices, visit the Photography page of the Color Matters section.

If you are printing a folded card, make sure to follow the design orientation instructions on the template file. For specific instructions on how to align your designs to the template bleed and safe area lines, please review the Templates page of the Color Matters section.

6Ensure the "Crop Marks" layer is ABOVE the "Your Art" layer

Drag the "Crop Marks" layer in the layers palette above the "Your Art" layer, if it is not already there.

7Delete the "Guides" layer

Select the "Guides" layer in the layers palette and hit the Delete/Backspace key.

8Save your file as individual "front" and "back" Press Quality PDFs

Save each completed template file as a new file (File > Save As) Save the file as [YourName].[CardSide].pdf. For example: JaneScott.Front.pdf. Card side (front or back) must be included in your file name. Select Photoshop PDF from the Format drop down menu and click Save. In the following dialogue box, select the "Press Quality" Adobe PDF Preset. Do not adjust the settings below. Additional bleed or marks are not necessary.

9Repeat for the other side of your card

Instructions for Photoshop

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Instructions for Quark XPress

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All designs should be placed on 4by6.com templates, saved as PDFs, labeled "front" and "back".

1Open your original design AND the 4by6.com template

Templates are included for both horizontal and vertical layout styles. For each layout style there is both a front and a back template file. Open the template file that is appropriate for your layout style (horizontal or vertical) and card side.

2Update all image links placed into your original design file

Open the Usage window (Utilities > Usage) and click on the Picture tab. If any images read "Modified" or "Missing," click "Update" to locate the image.

If you are printing a folded card, make sure to follow the design orientation instructions on the template file. For specific instructions on how to align your designs to the template bleed and safe area lines, please review the Templates page of the Color Matters section.

5Export your file as individual "front" and "back" Press Quality PDFs

Export each completed template file as a new PDF (File > Export > Layout as PDF) Save the file as [YourName].[CardSide].pdf. For example: JaneScott.Front.pdf. Card side (front or back) must be included in your file name. Create a press quality PDF setting by clicking the Options button, then clicking the Compression link. For both color images and grayscale images, select compression "Automatic ZIP/JPEG High" and "Keep Resolution." For bitmap images choose no compression and "Keep Resolution."